Eric Patterson

Oakland gets:

Righty Sean Gallagher
Outfielder Matt Murton
Infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson
Catcher Josh Donaldson

Harden and Gallagher were the key players in this swap, so we’ll look at them first. Unlike Sabathia, Harden is still under contract through next season, so this is no half-season rental—and the Cubs may have the money to resign him if they want. Nobody can deny that Harden’s got great stuff, but the knock on him has been his durability. He’s had problems with his elbow and shoulder the past two seasons, and crack 130 IP just once at the major-league level, in 2004. So in some ways, this may be a short-season rental, as Harden is a risk to toss a full season in ’08 or ’09. But when he’s in the game, he’s on, consistently logging a high strikeout rate with excellent control and a talent for keeping the ball in the ballpark. If he can stay healthy, he gives the Cubbies a great #2 pitcher behind ace Zambrano.

Continue reading "NL Central Trade Analysis, Part Two"

In today's game, they've got Eric Patterson in left field and hitting leadoff, which could be a more suitable replacement if he can get hot, at least in the short term. He's in the mold of Corey--his older brother--in that he's a speedy guy with a haflway decent bat, but Eric has more pop than Corey, even if he often sacrifices at-bats to try and hit longballs. He's a converted second baseman who's currently blocked there and by the Cubs outfield corners, so if he can show some plate discipline, that might make him an enticing trade commodity when Soriano returns.

Continue reading "Bittten by the Injury Bug"